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Hiring Employees in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide
Hiring Employees in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide
Emmett Arthur avatar
Written by Emmett Arthur
Updated over a week ago

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Key Considerations for Employing in Italy

  3. Benefits

  4. Employment Contracts

  5. Onboarding

  6. Leaves

  7. Payroll & Taxes

  8. Termination Process

  9. Invoice Schedule

  10. Get Started with Omnipresent


1. Introduction

Hiring employees in Italy requires compliance with strict labor laws, payroll regulations, and mandatory benefits. Omnipresent’s Employer of Record (EOR) service ensures that businesses meet all local employment obligations in Italy.


2. Key Considerations for Employing in Italy

  • Currency: Euro (€)

  • Language: Italian

  • Employer Costs: High (~30.5% of salary)

  • Termination Complexity: Very Hard

  • Onboarding Timeline: Approximately 18 calendar days

  • Payroll Frequency: Monthly


3. Benefits

Types of Benefits Offered

  • Mandatory Benefits: Public healthcare, pension contributions, accident insurance, workers’ compensation.

  • Supplementary Benefits: Private healthcare, vision insurance, travel insurance.

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN) is administered at a regional level.

  • Employers must provide supplementary health insurance based on employment level.

Retirement

  • National Social Security Institute (INPS) covers retirement, disability, and illness benefits.

  • Mandatory pension contributions are deducted via payroll.


4. Employment Contracts

Contract Types

  • Indefinite-term contracts

  • Fixed-term contracts (limited to 20% of workforce, max 3 years)

  • Part-time contracts (min 18 hours per week)

Requirements

  • Written employment contracts are required.

  • Language: Italian & English (Italian version prevails).

  • Signature Requirements: Simple electronic signature.

  • Backdating: Not permitted under Omnipresent’s policy.

Probation Period

  • Maximum probation period: 6 months for all roles.

  • Probation allows easier termination before transitioning to standard dismissal procedures.

Contract Customisation

  • Optional clauses for customization, such as extra-legal sick days or unlimited time off.

  • Certain elements cannot be customized (e.g., overtime, restrictive covenants).


5. Onboarding

Timeline

The onboarding process in Italy typically takes 18 calendar days, including:

  1. Platform Setup

  2. Right-to-Work Check

  3. Employment Contract Processing

  4. Benefits & Payroll Enrollment

Registration & Approvals

  • Employees must be registered with INPS (Italian Social Security Institute).

  • Registration takes up to 48 hours and must be completed before the start date.

Immigration & Visas

  • Omnipresent does not offer visa or work permit sponsorship.

Right-to-Work Verification

  • Employers must conduct right-to-work (RTW) checks.

  • Employees must complete a medical check and Health & Safety training within 60 days.

Employee Transfers from Another EOR

  • Employees can be transferred, but unused leave must be paid out by the previous employer.


6. Leaves

Leave Entitlements

  • Annual Leave: Minimum 22 working days (excluding public holidays).

  • Additional paid leave based on seniority:

    • 0-2 years: 32 hours

    • 2-4 years: 78 hours

    • 4+ years: 104 hours

  • Annual Leave Carryover: Max 10 days, valid for 18 months.

Maternity & Paternity Leave

  • Maternity Leave: 5 months (80% salary, reimbursed by INPS).

  • Paternity Leave: 10 days, fully paid by INPS.

Sick Leave

  • Paid sick leave for up to 180 days per year.

  • First 3 days: 100% salary from employer.

  • Day 4 onwards: Paid by INPS (amount varies by sector and service length).

Public Holidays

  • 12 national public holidays, plus one local holiday based on location.

  • Key holidays include New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Republic Day, Christmas, Boxing Day.


7. Payroll & Taxes

Payroll Cycle

  • Frequency: Monthly

  • Cut-off Date: 6th of each month.

  • Payment Date: Last working day of the month.

Compensation

  • Mandatory 13th- and 14th-month salary payments:

    • Paid in June and December, or prorated monthly.

  • No national minimum wage (determined by Collective Bargaining Agreements - CBAs).

Standard Work Schedule

  • 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.

Employer Costs

  • Estimated 30.5% of salary. Use the OmniCalculator for a detailed breakdown.


8. Termination Process

Notice Period

  • Determined by National Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCBA).

  • Ranges from 15 to 120 days, based on seniority and role.

Termination Grounds

  • Strict labor protections apply.

  • Valid termination reasons: Gross misconduct, redundancy, company restructuring.

Severance Pay (TFR - Trattamento di Fine Rapporto)

  • Employers must set aside 7% of annual salary as an end-of-service allowance.

  • TFR is paid out upon termination for any reason, including resignation.


9. Invoice Schedule

Initial Fees

  • Setup Fees: Due upon signing Terms.

  • Deposit: Payable when the local employment contract is ready for signature.

  • First Salary Prepayment: Invoiced on the first day of employment.

Ongoing Monthly Payments

  • Labour costs invoiced monthly in arrears after payroll calculations.

  • Each invoice includes:

    • Monthly service fee

    • Deposit insurance (if applicable)

    • FX fee (if applicable)


10. Get Started with Omnipresent

We simplify international hiring, legal compliance, payroll, benefits, and more. Contact us to start your journey towards hassle-free global employment.

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